Severe Fatigue Increases Risk of Hospitalization for Patients with COPD

A recent study finds that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients reporting severe fatigue are at a ten times higher risk for hospitalization than those who report less severe fatigue. Fatigue is the second-most common symptom for patients with COPD behind shortness of breath. More specifics on the study are below, but the takeaway message is don’t let fatigue build or try to tough it out. For people with COPD, fatigue is a sign that a person’s medical condition is going the wrong direction, and a health care intervention is needed. Our home health services, for instance, can help lower your risk of hospitalization and improve your experience with COPD by providing a personalized disease management program in the comfort of your own home.

In the recent study, researchers analyzed data from the Identity-Consequences Fatigue Scale (ICFS) of 100 participants with COPD. The ICFS evaluates feelings of fatigue and vigor as well as effect on concentration, energy and activities of daily living. The study authors converted the collected information into a numerical fatigue scale, with 0 being the least fatigued and 10 being the most fatigued. Participants’ hospital admissions were recorded over a 20-month period. In addition, the findings also point to fatigue being associated with longer hospital stays for these patients.